In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
Acts 17:30 NIV
Commanded to Repent
Canadians served in the British Expeditionary Force in World War 1 and their Corps Commander Lieutenant General Sir Arthur Currie had a somewhat special status as a national commander, a leader who could play a nationalist card if he found it necessary. He wanted his four divisions to stay together and fight under Canadian command, and he was largely successful in this. He resisted British efforts in 1918 to create a Canadian field army of two corps, arguing successfully that this would increase staff and support elements without improving fighting effectiveness in battle.
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The coming of Jesus changed everything. It’s no wonder we mark all of history by the entrance of Jesus into the world. Even those who have never heard the name of Jesus live in the year of our Lord 2025. I wonder if they wonder what happened over two millennia ago that mark the years. It wasn’t just time that is marked by Jesus’ coming. Paul the apostle visits Athens during his missionary journey and he deals with these religious people and their idols. He says this to them in Acts 17:30: “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.” There might have been a time when people, in their ignorance, worshipped idols. But no more. The Living God has come and there is no option except Jesus. People everywhere, of all faiths, are called to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. You are as well. Whatever the idols are in your life – sports, sex, spending, sightseeing – whatever comes first in your life – you must repent of this and turn to Jesus.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley